Supes approve taking budget on the road

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The Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance Committee approved two motions authorizing two offsite committee meetings at a cost of $2,500 per meeting.

Supervisor John Avalos, the committee chair who introduced the legislation to make it happen, said, “It’s just a step we can take to bring the budget committee on the road, knowing that we have a terrible budget to work through, but we can have greater input from people.”

He said, “The reason to have these offsite meetings is to really ensure that our neighborhoods have greater access to the work that we do here at City Hall. We could explore the needs that are presented from residents directly from within the neighborhoods.”

While the meetings come with a cost for recording, broadcasting and staff, Avalos said that it’s “important we offer the kind of transparency and accessibility that is needed.”

One would occur April 14 at 4 p.m. at Horace Mann Middle School, which is located in the Mission district. Another would take place April 21 at 4 p.m.

Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, who sits on the committee, praised the idea. “It’s important that we take the show on the road. I think it’s unfortunate that we don’t have the resources to do more locations.”